st3s

[olderbutfast]

looking at a st3s, who out there has purchased one of the st group, and what has your experience been.
how do you feel about the line being dropped?

[Oilhed]

I have a '05 ST3, not a ST3S.  Didn't want ABS and didn't want to pay for the better shocks.  It's a great bike.  Motor is just right for me - 100HP.  Pulls everywhere without vibes.  I love the looks of it, too.  Shame it's being dropped.  Never really had the loyal following of other Ducati models.  But, never heard an owner complain about theirs.

[ST3Andy]

16K trouble free miles on my 04 ST. I will never get rid of this bike . Yes there are faster, less exspensive, less maintainence cost, more powerful bikes out there, but one ride on a Ducati, and you'll understand what all the "fuss" is about. They are intoxicating and addicting machines. And dam sexy to boot.

 As far as Ducati dropping the ST line, I'm sure they'll design a new model in the near future to take it's place. But mine ain't going anywhere.

[ZED]

I bought my ST3s in mid August.  After a quick week of putting on the first 1000km so it could have its first servicing, I went on a two week tour.  By the time I had it a month I'd put on 10,000km.  It's now put away for the winter, but with 12k on it I feel I know the bike pretty well.  I've never been particularly brand loyal to anything but I must say the ST3 is a sweet machine.  

The mid range torque is excellent.  The three valve engine lives up to the expectations.  Passing is very easy.  I went for the ST3s, not due to the ABS, but for the suspension upgrades.  The suspension is very easy to tweak on a trip.  The chassis naturally lends itself to spirited corners.  The windshield is shorter than many touring bikes, but taller than most sport bikes.  The airflow is very smooth thanks to good aerodynamics.

The luggage is effective.  There is an optional top case that can still be purchased for it.  I don't have this and so far have strapped the bed-roll on the rear as I'm not riding two-up. (see attached pic)

If the engine is well maintained it is very smooth.  The same goes for the brakes.  This bike is a thoroughbred and can respond like one with proper maintenance.  Maintenance can be expensive.  If you have the dealer do absolutely everything in the servicing, it does get pricey.  I'm going to start changing my own oil, etc., but leave the valves and the timing belt adjustment to the Desmo-Druids.

On the more negative side, if you don't like the sport bike positioning, then you may not like this for long distances.  Many touring bikes like the FJR and Concorse are very good and much more upright.  I tested them as well and liked the Ducati better.  The post on my decision and the reasons for it are at:
http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/index.php/topic,13284.0.html

Another possible negative is possible surging issues.  Some bikes have tuning issues in the fuel injection at low engine load and low throttle.  Some bikes are worse than others.  Mine is smooth as silk below 10C, but annoying above that.  Not a problem on the open road, but irritating if commuting or slowing down for towns.  My dealer is going to replace the ECU for me on warranty with one that the can tune.  The very worst case scenario is that you have to fork out the money for the performance Ducati ECU yourself.  Then the problem can be tuned out.  I come from a control systems background and I can tell it's just a tuning issue, so I'm not at all worried that it won't get solved adequately.

Overall, I'm very happy with the bike.  I look forward to wearing it out over many years.  I think the ST3s is worth the extra money even if you don't like ABS.  I wasn't an ABS fan, but it did save my bacon one day so I'm starting to warm up to it.  

I'm disappointed that it has been dropped.  I'm sure the multistrada is a good bike, but it do it for me and I don't think it's a real replacement.  Try an ST3 if you get a chance, and if you like it, jump on it before they're gone.  I'm glad I got mine this year rather than waiting until spring like I'd been thinking.

If you have any specific questions, I'll try to answer.

Good luck.

[ducsbill]

I have a 2005 ST3.  Very few problems.  Had to take it to my dealer to have a closer rocker helper spring replaced this year.  They also replaced a suspect oil pump in early 2006 under warranty.  The dealer and the DNA rep never really proved the original pump was bad, but they replaced it just in case.

This bike has turned out to be just about perfect for me.  I did replace the stock seat with one from Sargeant and lowered the pegs with the kit from Desmotimes.  Logged about 10,000 miles this year between mid-May and early November.  The bike now has about 25,000 miles.  All the miles are mine.  Have done just about all the maintenance myself.

I'm a bit disappointed they dropped the ST line, but I think they'll bring something back eventually.  The ST was never a big seller, but Ducati never put any advertising dollars behind it either.  If you haven't had a test ride, take one.
Bill W.

[olderbutfast]

thanks guys for your input, info is very helpful and every bit as good as any mag bike test out there I am sure. Happy holidays
Ron

[VIVID1]

I have an 05 ST3 with 22,000 miles. I love my bike, I've only had minor problems with it. I can't believe Ducati is dropping it. It's such a great ST bike for short riders  

[Aero]

I had a '98 ST2 and although some owners of that model year had alternator and voltage regulator problems I never had any problems with mine. Rode it from the UK to Prague and Budapest, then shipped it to California for a year and had a ball riding Yosemite, Death Valley etc. I always got great gas mileage, it never used oil any between changes and was totally reliable. The finish was good too. Lots of smiles per mile, but I had to sell it before moving to Canada. I will have another ST if Ducati ever bring out another ST series, otherwise I will have a Guzzi or maybe a Multistrada.

[RickC1957]

I have an 05 ST3 with almost 30,000 miles on it. Have only had one problem with it...the dash instruments were not properly sealed...the cluster died after Vivid's infamous Flood 4 Tour in September...Ducati changed it out, no cost to me   I love the bike, like Anna said...great sport touring machine for the inseamed challenged...I was upset when it was dropped, thinking Ducati is nuts trying to get the MS1000 to fill the gap   I may have to go back to Japanese bikes for my ST needs.

[Emerson00]

The ST3s is the bike I wish I could swap for. I love the Multi, and it's never been inadequate to my needs, but I think I'm looking for something a bit more ST-oriented than the do-it-all Multistrada.

I regret them dropping the ST3, even if I've got a Multi in good order. If only $$ were no object, a local dealer's got a beautiful red ST3s on the floor I think I could get a deal on.

[Oilhed]

The ST3s is the bike I wish I could swap for. I love the Multi, and it's never been inadequate to my needs, but I think I'm looking for something a bit more ST-oriented than the do-it-all Multistrada.

I regret them dropping the ST3, even if I've got a Multi in good order. If only $$ were no object, a local dealer's got a beautiful red ST3s on the floor I think I could get a deal on.

If it was a 1100 I'd take you up on that!  I love the ST3 but feel the Multi might better suit my riding needs.

[Emerson00]

C'mon, you know you want to... top case, rear hugger, hand guards, Remus, 12k service being done next week... Who needs an 1100?